This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 8/14/04 1:54:04 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> HI Gayle, > > I get fly predators from the same company that you do. While I find > that they are certainly beneficial I am not having as good of luck with > them as you do. I still have to use fly traps, clean twice a day, and > spread the manure to dry. I'm wondering if you only put the larvae > around where your horses are enclosed, or if you also spread the larvae > around outside? I'm thinking my chickens may be eating the larvae > outside of the pens. > > tamara > Hi Tamara, I do put the fly predators around my barns, on manure/compost pile, as well as scatter them in paddocks where the horses 'deposit'. It is quite likely that chickens could be eating the beneficial bugs. They recommend that you dig a small divot and place larvae there to hide them from scavenging birds as well as putting them out in the evening, also to avoid birds eating them. I do use the sticky fly strips inside of the barn to help catch stray flies that do manage to hatch. I also use a premise spray in each stall after it has been cleaned and horses have been turned out. This system works about as affectively as anything else I have tried. You never seem to be able to totally eliminate those nasty flies, but if you can keep them down to a dull roar, you are doing good! I have been following, with interest, the recent discussion regarding our 'use' of Fjords. I, too, have found that the largest percentage of buyers are looking for a been-there-done-that 'companion' horse that can be enjoyed by the entire family from gramps to grandchildren. Because of the Fjord's wonderful disposition, they certainly fill the bill. I do find that Fjords are not being taken seriously, YET, by the majority of the horse world. However, with the ever-increasing number of dedicated Fjord owners who are taking their Fjords to the top of their various disciplines, i.e., Jensens, Anne Appleby, Vivian Creigh, myself in reining and cutting, etc. I just want to say - keep on keepin' on folks. I look forward to the day when someone contacts me for their next Fjord reining prospect!!! Someday it will happen!! Keep up the good work everyone!! Gayle Ware Field of Dreams Eugene, OR www.fjordhorse.com
